Lead Forklift Operator

We are seeking a highly capable and versatile Senior Fork Truck Operator / Operations Specialist to support our beverage manufacturing and warehousing operations. This is not a standard forklift role—this position serves as a subject matter expert (SME) across production, inventory management, and warehouse systems.

The ideal candidate combines strong equipment operation skills with analytical thinking, operational leadership, and the ability to interface with internal teams and external customers.

Responsibilities:

• Operate fork trucks and other material handling equipment safely and efficiently in production and warehouse environments
• Load, unload, stage, and transport raw materials and finished goods
• Ensure accurate product movement aligned with inventory systems and production schedules
• Serve as a cross-functional expert in beverage production workflows
• Support line operations, changeovers, and throughput optimization
• Identify inefficiencies and recommend process improvements
• Maintain accurate inventory through system transactions and physical verification
• Support cycle counts, audits, and reconciliation activities
• Ensure proper storage, rotation (FIFO/FEFO), and product integrity
• Act as a go-to resource for best practices in warehouse, production, and logistics operations
• Train and mentor team members on equipment, systems, and processes
• Troubleshoot operational issues and lead root cause problem-solving efforts
• Utilize warehouse management systems (WMS), ERP systems, and production tracking tools
• Identify warehouse optimization efforts
• Develop tools to improve overall production, inventory, and shipping/receiving processes.
• Ability to troubleshoot and problem solve systems and inventory issues
• Apply structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., root cause analysis, Lean principles)
• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives and performance metrics tracking, including RCA and PDCA
• Communicate effectively with internal departments (production, quality, logistics)
• Interface with customers, drivers, and vendors in a professional manner
• Support shipping, receiving, and order fulfillment accuracy
• Identify best practices and coordinate to implement across multiple sites nation-wide
• All other tasks as assigned

Qualifications:

Required

• Strong mechanical aptitude and computer litericy and ability to learn fork truck operation
• Demonstrated problem-solving and analytical thinking skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing and warehouse environment
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Up to 30% Travel potential

Preferred (Not Required)

• Prior fork truck / forklift experience
• Experience in high speed beverage, food manufacturing, or high-volume warehousing
• Degree in Math, Science, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field
• Familiarity with WMS, ERP systems, or inventory control systems
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies